Stratified squamous, keratinized epithelium
This electron micrograph shows the superficial-most cells of the epithelium of human skin. This epithelium is stratified squamous, keratinized, and thus the superficial-most cells are non-living, lack organelles and consist primarily of a thickened plasma membrane enclosing keratin. Cells which have been sloughed lie adjacent to the epithelium. 6000x
Squamous cells >
The superficial-most cells of the epithelium of human skin are shown in an electron micrograph. This epithelium is stratified squamous, keratinized, and thus the superficial-most cells (red arrows) are non-living, lack organelles and consist primarily of a thickened plasma membrane enclosing keratin. Cells which have been sloughed are indicated by the blue arrows.
Skin surface
The superficial-most cells of the epithelium of human skin are shown in an electron micrograph. This epithelium is stratified squamous, keratinized, and thus the superficial-most cells (red arrows) are non-living, lack organelles and consist primarily of a thickened plasma membrane enclosing keratin. Cells which have been sloughed are indicated by the blue arrows.